Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Skunk and Badger #2

Egg Marks the Spot

Rate this book
Buried in the heart of every animal is a secret treasure. For rock scientist Badger, it’s the Spider Eye Agate he found as a cub, stolen years ago by his crafty cousin, Fisher. For Badger’s roommate, Skunk, the treasure is Sundays with the New Yak Times Book Review. When an old acquaintance, Mr. G. Hedgehog, announces his plan to come for the Book Review as soon as it thumps on the doorstep, Skunk decides an adventure will solve Badger’s problems as well as his own. Surprisingly, Badger agrees. Together they set off on an agate-finding expedition at Badger’s favorite spot on Endless Lake.

But all is not as it seems at Campsite #5. Fisher appears unexpectedly. Then a chicken arrives who seems intent on staying. Something is up!

Indeed!

Secrets, betrayals, lies

. . . and a luminous, late-Jurassic prize.

160 pages, Hardcover

First published September 14, 2021

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Amy Timberlake

17 books187 followers
Amy Timberlake's work has received a Newbery Honor, an Edgar, and a Golden Kite Award. One book was chosen to be a Book Sense Pick, another was reviewed in The New York Times Book Review. Her books have made several "best books of the year" lists, and she loves it whenever her books are chosen to be part of a state reading list. (Thank you!) Chicago's Lifeline Theatre has adapted both One Came Home and The Dirty Cowboy for the stage. She's received residency fellowships from Hedgebrook, and the Anderson Center.

Her most recent book, One Came Home, has been called "a True Grit for the middle school set" by Bookpage, "a valentine to sisterhood and a bird that no longer exists" by The Washington Post, and "a rare gem of a novel" by The Christian Science Monitor.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
446 (34%)
4 stars
527 (41%)
3 stars
247 (19%)
2 stars
48 (3%)
1 star
9 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 272 reviews
Profile Image for Amy Imogene Reads.
1,136 reviews1,061 followers
September 15, 2021
5 bock-bock stars

Another adventure with Skunk and Badger?? We are blessed. This one took everything I loved about the first adventure and made it bigger and better. I love this adorable series.

Characters: ★★★★★
Writing style: ★★★★★
Plot/Pacing: ★★★★★

This is the second adventure with Skunk and Badger. If you're new to the series, check out this one first!

As a grown woman with no kids, I guess I'm an odd age demographic for this series, but let me tell you something: I absolutely loved this book. When people say "oh, this is perfect for ALL AGES!" sometimes what they mean is, it's perfect for kids but not dumb for adults to sit through. Well, Skunk and Badger's adventures in Egg Marks the Spot are truly for all ages. I loved this story and had no issues with it as an adult. The perfect, relaxing read to enjoy with a cozy cup of tea.

In Egg Marks the Spot, Badger and Skunk are doing just fine as roommates in Aunt Lula's brownstone. Skunk's latest obsession is obtaining the book review portion of the "New Yak Times" (I love the references, guys, I LOVE them) and Badger is doing Important Rock Work in his rock room.

But then, Skunk finds out that his previous neighbor, G. Hedgehog, is back in town and wants to steal his pages of the "New Yak Times Book Review" from him to "resume their previous arrangement." Skunk cannot stand for this - he must leave town for the week to get his mind off of this tragedy.

So Skunk proposes a camping trip with Badger. Badger is all for this plan, as he loves exploring and looking for more rocks for Rock Science. In fact, it will give Badger the ability to look for a replacement agate for his collection. Several years ago, his precious agate was taken by his cousin, Fisher, never to be returned!

So with Skunk avoiding G. Hedgehog and Badger avoiding thoughts of his stealing cousin, they set off into the woods. With some chickens, of course. (See the first book to get the low-down on the chickens.)

But there's something special in the woods this time... and Badger and Skunk are not going to believe it!

There, that's it. I'm not going to tell you anymore. Read it for yourself and love it! I know I did.

Thank you to Algonquin Young Readers for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

Blog | Instagram
Profile Image for Kathryn.
4,596 reviews
October 24, 2021
We enjoyed the first Skunk and Badger book, quirks and all. This one was just... too quirky for me. I found it difficult to read aloud as there are so many asides and I found the frequent stream-of-consciousness tiring. I actually skipped whole paragraphs that didn't seem relevant and I almost NEVER skip in novels. The plot is a combination of the mundane (all that cooking paraphernalia), the scientific (random facts about rocks and minerals) and the utterly fantastical ( and so many random threads that sort of tied up but sort of didn't. I just struggled with it and probably would have abandoned it myself, but my son enjoyed it enough to keep asking for it at read-aloud time, so I suppose it had a measure of success for the target audience, even though it strikes me as the type of "children's book" that is aimed more toward adults (I don't think many kids are going to get the New Yak Times Book Reviews references, for example). It's not a bad book, but just not my style.
Profile Image for Natalie  all_books_great_and_small .
2,572 reviews124 followers
September 12, 2021
I received a gifted advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via Algonquin children's books as part of the book tour.

Skunk and Badger: Egg Marks the Spot, is the second book in this delightful and whimsical book series for children and adults.
This series is so wonderfully written and illustrated and I am sure this is on the road to becoming a classic of today.
In this edition, Skunk and Badger are off on a new adventure doing important rock work. They are looking for some important rocks and go off on a camping adventure in the woods. This rock hunt soon turns into a fun frolicking adventure with Skunk and Badger coming across other animals and even an egg.
These stories are simple enough for children to read and understand and I love how much meaning and subtle lessons are embroidered into the stories.
Skunk and Badger are such a warm pair of friends and could teach us all more about friendship. I always feel so warm and happy after reading these books and can't wait to get a physical copy of this book to cherish forever.
Profile Image for Kailey (Luminous Libro).
3,308 reviews503 followers
August 27, 2021
Skunk and Badger set off on a new adventure searching for Important Rocks, and they go camping in the woods. All Skunk wanted to do was eat a leisurely breakfast and read the Sunday "New Yak Times" Book Review, but instead he forces himself to trek miles through the countryside with a massive pack on his back. A simple rock expedition turns into a wild adventure with cats, rats, bears, and a very strange egg.

Skunk and Badger are so funny and adorable! I love the warmth of their friendship and how they laugh together. In this second book, their friendship is put to the test, and they have to prove their loyalty.

I love that the story is simple enough for a children's chapter book, but it is very meaningful. We find out more about both Badger and Skunk's back stories, their memories, and their deepest fears. Badger has to face his mean cousin who bullied him when they were children. Skunk reveals more of his past, and reconnects with old friends who show up at opportune times.

I just adore the artwork. Some of the illustrations are in color, and others are in black and white, but they are all delightful. The lines are so expressive, and the whole mood is quaint and charming. There are lovely little details in each scene that bring the story to life.

I can't wait to read more from the Skunk and Badger series! This story made me smile; really deep-down joyful smile from head to toe.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts and are not influenced by anyone.
Profile Image for Evelina | AvalinahsBooks.
907 reviews460 followers
September 5, 2021
How I read this: Free ebook copy received through Edelweiss

Wow, I LOVED it so much 😍 I loved the first book too, but this one takes a special place in my heart - it had all the right ingredients. The book is adorable and absolutely precious.

First of all, I really enjoyed Badger's character growth. There was significant growth in the first story too and that's what the plot hinged on, but in this one it's like the idea continues, except it also goes much deeper. Badger really opens up to his friendship with all the other characters, and at the end, makes some really mature choices I never expected.

The next ingredient though, OMG! How do I not spoil this? But remember how chickens were a big part of the first story? Well, they're an even bigger part of the second one, and in a totally unexpected and awesome way (AND connected to Important Rock Science!) I'd love to tell you what I actually loved about that bit of the plot here, but I would absolutely spoil it for you, so I won't. It's just that this book voiced some of my own quirks that I often repeat as fun facts or jokes and I simply can't believe it. Written for me! Haha.

Anyway, there was more though. A lot of this story is dedicated to how you must grow past things that have hampered you for a while now, and you have to choose to grow this way consciously. Also, about how sometimes we have a problem, but we don't SAY anything to anyone, or just discuss it with the person who is making our lives difficult. Being passive doesn't help. Both Badger and Skunk have this issue in the book, and with each other's help, they succeed in growing past it, and solving their problems. I thought it was very cool, especially since this book is meant for children, so the story sort of teaches you how to speak up for yourself and that things will not resolve on their own sometimes and that you need to do something to change your circumstances too. It's an important lesson to learn as early as possible.

Anyway, I am truly enjoying this series and I already can't wait for the next one. Skunk and Badger stories are great and definitely worth your time!

I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.

Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
Profile Image for Kirsten.
1,077 reviews
January 14, 2022
Oh my! Oh my! Oh my! I read lots of children's books and very rarely do I laugh out loud. Maybe a chuckle once or twice. But never a guffaw. Until now. I could not love this book more. So, so creative, hilarious, beautifully illustrated and perfectly paced. Adventure, suspense, surprise . . . this book has it all. I would love to read it out loud to a classroom full of third graders. In this second book in the series, Skunk and Badger are delightful, albeit odd, roommates who set off on an outdoor adventure to distract Skunk from his disappoinment at not being able to read the New Yak Times Book Review. (There've been some complications with his subscription.) Badger, the rock and mineral specialist, is searching for a new agate to replace his favorite one which was stolen by his cousin, Fisher, when they were kids. It's really irreplaceable, but Skunk thinks they can find the perfect one to complete Badger's alphabetical rock display. "A" is for agate is the only rock he's missing. (Fie! Fisher.) From Skunk's staggeringly gigantic bright yellow backpack filled with every outdoor necessity (a bellows, a cast iron frying pan, a bottle of soy sauce, bag of chicken feed, a garlic press and more) to the menagerie of animals the two encounter throughout their adventure (lots of chickens [see book 1], a rat union--yes, a labor union, of rats--some wily cats, a repentant hedgehog, and something else, totally unexpected) Amy Timberlake maintains an astonshingly level of detail and mad-cap adventure throughout. Jon Klassen's brilliantly quirky illustrations are the perfect accompaniment. I can't see these wacky characters drawn any other way. The text and illustrations fuse perfectly. That tassled Scottish plaid hat description is a great example--a tam o'shanter perhaps? Clearly I've tried in this very long review, but I simply cannot describe the completely lovely and satisfying joy this book brings me. Read it. Now. With a third grader.
Profile Image for Susan Ballard.
1,948 reviews77 followers
September 14, 2021
Skunk and Badger are back for another adventure! If you haven’t met these two friends yet, you are missing out.

Badger is a rock scientist who lives with his well-read roommate, Skunk. Skunk loves nothing more than to read the “New Yak Book Review” and enjoy his breakfast, but Mr. G. Hedgehog is threatening to swipe his subscription.

Badger’s rock collection is always in perfect alphabetical order, but under the letter “A” there is an empty space. It is where Badger’s Spider Eye Agate once sat but was stolen by his crafty cousin, Fisher.

Skunk proposes an adventure to find Badger a new Agate for his collection. So they pick up a backpack and head out to the woods. What ensues is a hilarious, animal-filled wilderness excursion. Where they make a prehistoric discovery and meet fun new friends along the way.

𝐄𝐠𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭 is such an entertaining middle-grade book! With great characters and witty dialogue, kids of all ages will want to hear this story. The illustrations are adorable with a perfect mix of color and black and white. I can’t wait for the next adventure with Skunk and Badger.

Thank you to @algonquinyr and @amys_writer_photos for a gifted copy.
Profile Image for Ben.
87 reviews4 followers
January 23, 2024
The authors set up a delightful pair of friends to have delightful, simple, character driven adventures together and then, about halfway through this book, they decisively said, "ehhhh screw it." Never before have I read a book so clearly go off it's own rails for no reason and accomplish nothing in the process.

The story establishes a central conflict for each character, someone is stealing Skunk's newspaper, and Badger's prized agate was stolen by his cousin. The pair go camping to find a replacement agate.

Then a bunch of thoroughly random nonsense happens leaving the actual motives of the titular characters to seem so trivial by comparison that they are solved as an after thought thrown in after the actual climax of the story because the authors got so caught up in their own pointless convolutions that they lost the thread completely.

By the end of the book when Badger gets his agate back (without having to have actually stood up to his homicidal bully cousin) and Skunk befriends the guy who's been making him miserable by stealing his paper for months (because he likes it too so it's ok I guess?) you don't even care anymore because... I kid you not a mysterious chicken that appeared out of nowhere on their camping trip hatched a fossilized dinosaur egg and rode said dinosaur into the ether despite the best efforts of a swarm of rodent contractors. I mean... what the hell.

This book would be like if halfway through a perfectly nice Frog and Toad story, they discover a space ship piloted by cheese sandwiches that help them recover their lost buttons.
Profile Image for Maddie.
511 reviews9 followers
July 4, 2021
When Skunk and Badger set out on a weekend rock hunting adventure Badger expects to find some nice rocks for his Important Rock Work and Skunk hopes to have a nice Sunday. What neither of them expect (and what really happens) is for their rock hunting to be derailed by Badger's crafty cousin who steals their rocks and to meet a chicken (named Augusta) who ends up needing help caring for a dinosaur egg. Regardless of how Skunk and Badger thought their rock hunting adventure was going to go they are in for an adventure.

This book was just as nice as the 1st one. Exciting twists that I didn't see coming with a happy ending. The images are beautiful and both Skunk and Badger are great characters to read. Perfect for fans of Frog and Toad or anyone looking for a fun or light read. (Disclaimer: this is based on the ARC of the book which I won through goodreads.)
Profile Image for Cheriee Weichel.
2,514 reviews39 followers
December 5, 2021
Badger and Skunk are some of the sweetest characters to come out of children’s literature. Their ‘odd couple’ friendship is full of love, compassion, and just the right amount of irritation to make it real. In this episode the two of them go on a camping trip. Skunk wants distraction from the thief who steals his New Yak Times book review section. Badger will search for rocks to replace the amber that was stolen from him by is nefarious cousin, Fisher.
I salivated over the many descriptions of food. I laughed at Skunk’s idea of necessary camping equipment. What I loved most was how almost all of the animosity between the different characters was resolved positively.
I adore this quote about reading book reviews.
“Sometimes it is enough to imagine all the enjoyment you would get from reading this or that book.”
Profile Image for Ashley Adams.
1,152 reviews36 followers
October 17, 2021
Skunk and Badger have Important Rock Work to do. They must venture to find an agate for Badger's collection (and perhaps a coy of the New Yak Times Book Review). Along the way they encounter a scheming cousin, an ancient secret, and an orange hen. Egg Marks the Spot is an instant classic, a great breakfast-y adventure.
102 reviews
July 19, 2022
Charming. Important rock work. Focus focus focus. Cheers to rat guild 73.
Profile Image for Brenda.
918 reviews42 followers
September 11, 2021
In this sequel to Skunk and Badger, Badger is once again hard at work with Important Rock Work when Skunk interrupts him to ask for money to get them a subscription to the Sunday New Yak Times. The paper houses Skunk's favorite section, the Book Review, something he hasn't been able to read in awhile because Mr. G. Hedgehog has been confiscating his paper all for himself, thinking it was a previous arrangement they'd made. To avoid having his paper taken yet again, Skunk suggests they go on a rock finding expedition, a little camping, picnicking and stargazing is just what they need. Badger sees their trip as a chance to replace his Spider Eye Agate, which was stolen by his treasure hungry cousin, Fisher. So the two pack their backpacks and head out to Badger's favorite campsite at Endless Lake. However, once at the lake they have a run in with Fisher, who is searching for valuable treasure and he vows that nothing will get in his way.

I read the first book in this series back in September of last year and wasn't surprised to learn that it had won many awards. It's such a deserving book. It's been described as Winnie the Pooh meets Wind in the Willows, and it really does have these qualities. Egg Marks the Spot involves these two unlikely friends who go off on a camping adventure and along the way discover that friendship is more valuable than most other things in life. You can't help thinking of the Odd Couple when reading these books. Badger is kind of curmudgeonly, while Skunk is as energetic as ever. The differences in their personalities is amusing, but I love how they end up finding a lot of commonalities and respect each other as individuals. The whole scene of Skunk trudge, trudge, trudging up that hill with his big yellow backpack makes this a book to treasure. I also enjoyed how we're learning about Skunks life in the city prior to moving in with Badger and Badger's declaration to Fisher at the end about keeping his friends. Despite a little quirkiness involving a Jurassic period find and the conflict that arises, this has two adorable characters and lovely messaging with a focus on being kind. Although my E-ARC didn't have all the finished artwork, what was included was gorgeous, similar in style to the cover. I hope there will be many more adventures for Skunk and Badger. ** Thank you to Edelweiss+ and Algonquin Young Readers for my E-ARC. **
Profile Image for Alice Streatfeild.
52 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2022
I utterly adore this, I was captivated and laughing from the first few pages. The first few pages were such a strong hook I recommended it to friends with children before I'd finished the first chapter.

The book is oozing with humour and details about geology, the details about rocks and the different eras, or the relationships between chickens and dinosaurs are embedded so deftly that you don't really realise that you are taking in information. I learnt, or perhaps I should say it reminded me given my long ago studies, of the difference between rocks and minerals.

The relationships between the animals is wonderfully developed, there are fraught relationships with bullies, and misunderstandings, and a badger who loves food and a skunk who is a dab hand in the kitchen.

I found myself thinking how this book would be a wonderful one to read to children in the lead up to an outwards bound trip, to discuss what you would pack and what you might expect when camping. It could be great to be read as a class book alongside PHSE if there were tensions in friendships or even to talk about bullying.
In English it could be used to talk about how the author write with humour and the grammatical muscles that have been flexed to do engender the mood and emotions in the book.
In any science lessons it could be used as a way to talk about how animals adapt and evolve, the dinosaurs, rocks and geology. The enthusiam and love of rocks the character has in the book could really be a wonderful way to engage different students in something they may not have even considered being of interest.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,126 reviews34 followers
May 30, 2021
The second volume in the Skunk and Badger books returns readers to the characters they grew to love in the first book, but for me a bit of the magic is gone. The thing I liked best in the first book was the Odd Couple nature of the book, the way the characters fought but ultimately realized their mistakes and became friends. The push-pull of the relationship is gone in the second book. The first book set a very high bar, and though this is a fine story that will surely entertain young readers, it doesn't quite get there. That said, Timberlake adds new details to the world that are simply charming, like Skunk's devotion to the New Yak Times Book Review. Review from e-galley.
Profile Image for Melissa Chung.
905 reviews323 followers
September 18, 2021
I want to thank Algonquin YA for sending me the Arc of the sequel to Skunk and Badger, for an honest review. I absolutely adored the first book and was so excited to hear that a second book was in the works. 'Egg Marks the Spot' was just as wholesome and wonderful as the first. I recommend a thousand times and if I could give it more than 5 stars I would.

Let's talk about the first book a bit first. Skunk and Badger is about two anthropomorphic friends that live in a Brownstone. When we first start the story Badger lives there alone and does important rock work. He is a somewhat geologist. He studies whether or not a rock is a rock or a mineral. He focuses on rocks that are older than dinosaurs. He has been doing it since he was a wee badger. One day he has a visitor named Skunk. Skunk is to live with Badger, but Badger has never had a roommate before and isn't very nice. Throughout the book they (mostly badger) has to figure out how to live harmoniously together. There is also a fair bit of information on chickens (different types of chickens-there is close to 500 "fancy breeds" of chickens, according to Professor C.J. Nichol of the University of London, she wrote a book called The Behavioural Biology of Chickens) -this side note is not in the book, but I wanted to include it in the review if you are interested in chickens. The first book also goes over a lot of culinary dishes. Skunk loves cooking and reading. What I loved most about the first book is that they both have to learn to love each others differences. Also the ending was great. Badger grew to be a better "person" at the end. He had character development.

Do you have to read 'Egg Marks the Spot' in order or can it be a stand alone? That might be a question you ask yourself. Well it is a great stand alone. However, I like to read books in order and you do find out all about Skunk in the first book.

'Egg Marks the Spot' was a great sequel. Some sequels don't measure up to its first born. However, I found this book to be a lot better than the first one. I love that Amy Timberlake adds so much onomatopoeia. It helps capture the environment of the story. You can "hear" whats going on. In this book Badger is doing IMPORTANT ROCK WORK in his rock room. Skunk interrupts and notices Badger's Rock Wall. On the rock wall there is an empty stand. On the stand is the letter A. Skunk finds out that at one point there was a Spider-Eye Agate, meant for that spot, but that his cousin stole it when they were young. Skunk feels bad for Badger and wants to help. He decides that they need to go on a rock expedition to find a new agate.

There is a bit of camping in this book. How you are supposed to carry light things when going backpacking. I loved this part because my family is obsessed with backpacking and I could relate to the story. They head towards campsite #5 which is fun to say, but also something that my family and I do as well. Once you find a camping spot you like. You tend to continue going there. We had a favorite campsite in the Redwoods-Big Basin, but sadly it burned down in 2020.

Another good thing about this book is that it references prejudices or unconscious bias. Skunk doesn't think any animal is bad, but Badger has a different opinion. He doesn't think you can trust Rats and that Mussles aren't strong enough to be apart of a moving company. It helps little readers hear about issues that we face in society, but in a way they understand.

Lastly, I loooooved all the big vocabulary words. This isn't a long book at 149 pages. It's full of words that might be hard for a kid, but hopefully it gets their wheels turning. It makes them curious and makes them want to look the words up or ask a parent or teacher. According to Amazon this book is for grade level 2-5. The Lexile score for this book is 570L. For teachers and parents that are curious.

I loved this book. I highly recommend. As a teacher, I'm definitely going to share it with my colleagues and hopefully get into our library too.
Profile Image for Alyson Stone.
Author 4 books66 followers
August 6, 2021
Book: Egg Marks the Spot
Author: Amy Timberlake
Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars

I would like to thank the publisher, Algonquin Young Readers, for sending me an ARC.

When I stated this, I couldn’t help but to feel good while reading. This is one of those books that just puts you in a good mood. It gave me a mixture of Winnie Pooh and The Wind in the Willows vibes. It’s a light hearted adventure story that can’t help but to put a smile on your face. I don’t have the first book and I am really thinking about getting it to add to my classroom library. I may also be adding Egg Marks the Spot to my read aloud novels. Given everything that has been going on in the world this year, I really think a story like this will put a smile on my students’ face and I teach middle school. You just need a story like this to put you in a good mood and to just escape from the harsh realities of an unforgiving and dark world. I guess that what I’m getting at is books like this are bound to put you in a good mood and we need more books like this.

I really enjoyed Skunk and Badger. Their friendship and everything they get into just makes me want more. We see right off that Badger is the more serious one, while Skunk just wants to seem to have a good time. At first, their friendship can come across as being a little odd and a little different. However, the more you get to know them and get some insight into them, the more you come to see just how much they work for each other. We see them bring out the good in each other and see them really come together and support each other without question. This deep friendship and bond that they have comes across very clearly. I know a lot of people kind of role their eyes at the friendships in a children’s books, but this one is solid.

I will admit there were parts of the book where I thought the plot went a little off. While I did enjoy it, there were just certain elements that I found not enjoyable. The whole bit with the dinosaur egg just didn’t make sense to me. I personally could have done without it, but I can see a lot of kids really enjoying that little addition. I think I would have enjoyed it if I was a child. Still, as an adult reader, I did find the overall plot to be really strong and good. I just had a great time reading this book is what I am getting at.

If you are in the mood for a book that is bound to put a smile on your face, then I highly encourage you to give this a go. This is just one of those books that will put you in a good mood and just make you feel good.

This book comes out on September 14, 2021.
Youtube: https://youtu.be/buIGn1UkH4I
Profile Image for Mehsi.
13.5k reviews411 followers
September 16, 2021
I received this book from the publisher in exchange of an honest review.

I was so excited and hyped when I got the mail from the publisher to ask if I wanted to be part of this tour and read the book in advance. Of course I wanted that! The first book was such a treasure and so much fun!

In this book a ton of things happen, but at the same time it also felt like a slice of life manga at points. And that is not a criticism, I don’t mind that at all, it gives some reprieve from all the adventures that are coming later in the book.

Skunk and Badger are still getting used to living together. Badger has moved all his rocks to the attic (after some drastic cleaning) and is settling in there. In the meantime Skunk is doing cooking and other fun house stuff. We see that there are still some struggles with a closed door. I was totally on Skunk’s side on this one, because if you always close the door, how are we supposed to know you are working there or if you are not in? Then there are the chickens that visit often and Badger is still not sure how he feels about those things. I really loved reading about these two and see how their friendship and bond becomes better as the book continues. With some arguments, but also lots of protecting and having a good time.

I really loved their adventure (which kind of was a way for Skunk to get out of something that we read more about near the end) and loved seeing them find rocks for Badger’s rock collection, and then especially an Agate which Badger had but which was stolen… I had so much fun, especially when a chicken joined the group. Oh, and I laughed so much because Skunk was so stubborn about the backpack. XD

The cave part and the rats and all that happened was just one rollercoaster and I just love love it. OK, sure, I am not a fan of feathers on THAT, but it was still fun and I giggled that it was possible for THAT to come in the story.

I so so love the sound effects that we got aplenty in this book. I love those in comics/manga/graphic novel, so seeing them in a normal book makes me smile so much. I love reading about the pitpat of rain or the bock-bocks of chickens or the sounds that rocks make when thrown in the air and hitting the ground or the sounds that tools make when the animals use them. For me it made the story come to live even more.

While I do appreciate that we got a villain in this book, namely Fisher a weasel and a family member of Badger who is just pure evil and doesn’t give a damn about anyone, I do would have liked that to have wrapped up a bit more nicely. Just like with the chickens and that which was in the caves. We do get a note at the end, but for me that felt more like an afterthought and it was a bit jarring how Badger/Skunk went back to normal just like that.

Of course the art by Jon Klassen makes the book complete, I am a big fan of his work. His artstyle fits perfect with the Skunk and Badger series.

All in all, a chicken, rock, fun book that I would recommend to all, and I hope that we get more adventures with these two, especially with the new additions of characters near the end.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Profile Image for Kate.
556 reviews10 followers
February 25, 2022
"Yaks make the best book reviewers. Is it their shaggy bangs that bring focus? Or is it the hump of nutrients, which allows them to read many books without eating? It is a mystery?"

I stumbled across the first book featuring Skunk and Badger here, on Goodreads. I loved the quirkiness of it, and the humour. Skunk and Badger made up an odd couple, but together they work so well. So when I saw that there was a second book featuring these two adorable characters, I was eager to return to their chicken-filled world.

For Egg Marks the Spot, we see both Skunk and Badger grow in their own ways. Badger is still working on Important Rock Work, in his special rock room, and enjoying the food that Skunk cooks for them both. Skunk is still friends with the chickens, but he is worrying about the arrival of Mr. G. Hedgehog, who seems to think that they have an arrangement concerning the New Yak Times Book Review. He is also pushing Badger's boundaries, encouraging him to have adventures.

The charm of this book is absolutely spot on. The illustrations by Jon Klassen add to this charm, perfectly bringing the characters to life. I loved the time that I spent with them, and Skunk's views on books and book reviews makes me feel like he is a character after my own heart :)
I would recommend these books to anyone, and I am hoping that there will be a third one soon.
Profile Image for Claire.
Author 14 books39 followers
August 31, 2021
I think this was even better than the first one, because Skunk and Badger already have a friendship established, and now they can fight evil together. If evil is a cousin who steals your rocks! This installment in the delightful series features a mysterious egg, a surprising amount of science, and an even more surprising number of chickens. Skunk and Badger feel like two roommates who are best friends and also annoyed at each other all at the same time. Anyone who has ever packed for a road trip with their family will understand their struggles. And they're just so sweet together. I was completely tickled by the addition of one very tiny orange chicken, whose name we find out in this book. The illustrations are magnificent, just like in the first one, although I would definitely like more pictures of chickens. There was also a lot of onomatopoeia, which must be lots of fun to read aloud, but grew grating to me as a silent-in-my-own-head reader. This would make such an excellent readaloud. I can't wait to read the next one in the series.

Thank you very much to Algonquin Publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Deborah Ross.
Author 85 books91 followers
August 8, 2021
I adored the introduction of Skunk and Badger, at first unwilling housemates, who become fast friends. Badger is a fussy, hyper-organized Important Rock Scientist who resents any interruption of his routine, while Skunk is expansively friendly, speaks to cryptic chickens, and cooks gourmet meals. Skunk’s one obsession is the New Yak Times Book Review. That’s really all a reader needs to know before embarking upon their next adventure: a camping trip. The trip proceeds along hilarious lines, with Badger calculating the exact weight of every multi-purpose article in his neatly organized pack, and Skunk throwing in pots and pans, fresh produce, and other items on which usefulness he and Badger disagree profoundly. This, then, is the essence of their friendship: how the differences supply each other’s blind spots.

Needless to say, the camping trip quickly takes several unexpected turns with an obnoxious bully from Badger’s past, an incredible find in a cave, the secret mission of chickens, a bivalve moving company, and much, much more. The characters are endearing, the action lively, the prose deliciously inventive, and the deeper themes of friendship, loyalty, and courage shine through.

A splendid book for the whole family to read aloud!
Profile Image for Samantha (bookstasamm).
810 reviews80 followers
September 12, 2021
Egg Marks the Spot tells the story of Skunk, who loves to cook and read, and Badger, a rock scientist. These unlikely roommates embark on an “X marks the spot adventure” that will help them both and uncover an amazing discovery.

I didn’t know what to expect when I signed up for this blog tour especially since I did not read the first book in this series. This book can be read as a standalone, but if you are reading with children I would recommend starting with book one, Skunk and Badger.

This was a fun read with a lot of lessons for children of all ages to learn. First is not to jump to conclusions and let others explain themselves. Second, is to be accepting of others. Third, try not to hold in your feelings or hold grudges. Finally, accept the help your friends offer you.

Although an unlikely pair, I enjoyed skunk and badgers friendship along with their quirks. I plan to read the first book and continue with the series.

Thank you Algonquin Young Readers and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Dee Dee (Dee Reads for Food).
476 reviews41 followers
September 13, 2021
Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review. (full review at www.deereadsforfood.wordpress.com)

To think that this wonderful adventure all started because of a missing book review and a lost agate (or if we're really thinking about it, it all started with an unwanted housemate). I'm so happy that I met these two characters, and I will miss them now that their adventures are over.

Young readers will enjoy all of the drama and intrigue that this second installment provides and those who already love the dynamic that Skunk and Badger provide, will not be disappointed.

There are chickens, there are rats and there is a bear! Plus, that Jurassic surprise is well worth it. Pick this one up.
Profile Image for Katherine Hayward Pérez .
1,426 reviews74 followers
August 1, 2021
As a child I enjoyed The Wind in the Willows. Skunk and Badger book 1 was good and I was waiting for book 2.

When I got a review invitation email from Algonquin, I accepted it because I wanted to be part of the next installment of Skunk and Badger's adventures.

Badger wants to collect more rocks and Skunk just wants a quiet Sunday. Let the adventures begin! As with book 1, I was looking forward to the antics and twists and turns of the book. The pacing is good.

The illustrations are beautiful.

Thanks to Amy Timberlake, John Klassen and Algonquin Young Readers for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

4 stars.
Profile Image for Paula Lyle.
1,621 reviews12 followers
November 13, 2021
"Perhaps next time I'll choose the agate instead of my friends."

A charming reminder for children that we all have bad days and sometimes make the wrong choices. Badger and Skunk have become true friends and are off to have an adventure together. Thank goodness they have different talents and can lean on each other. A couple quibbles this time. I hate bad science in books for kids and labelling it bad science does not change that. Also there are too many noises and sound effects for me. They may be fun to read, but they make this a difficult read-aloud. If your kids can read it on their own, I strongly recommend this.
Profile Image for Becky Loader.
1,996 reviews23 followers
February 1, 2022
Skunk and Badger continue their adventure of sharing Aunt Lula's brownstone.

Badger's life doing Important Rock Work has certainly become more interesting since Skunk has moved in. Unfortunately, his shifty cousin, Fisher, intrudes in his pinstripe suit and yellow loafers, and life may never be the same.
Profile Image for Kristin Boldon.
1,175 reviews39 followers
September 23, 2021
Charming and silly, with a serious undertone and NEVER ENOUGH KLASSEN ART. Badger and Skunk make a great odd couple and ot was a delight to read about (ALAS NOT SEE) the Tiny Orange Hen again on their latest adventure. Advice: do not flip through, the major art spread is lovely and a HUGE SPOILER.
Profile Image for Bonnie Grover.
866 reviews17 followers
October 3, 2021
Thank you Libro.fm for sharing this fun book with me. My students loved Skunk and Badger and I cannot wait to add this to our collection. I love the tongue-in-cheek humor. A great story of friendship and humor.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 272 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.